CHICAGO, IL (November 2, 2017) — Nominations and comments are now being accepted for the position of president of the Evangelical Covenant Church. An official letter inviting submissions was distributed yesterday by the Presidential Nominating Committee (PNC). Members of ECC congregations may submit comments and nominations.
The Covenant Constitution indicates that the Covenant president “shall be an ordained ECC minister in good standing.” In addition to serving as the chief executive officer of the denomination, according to the Covenant Bylaws, the position also provides “pastoral leadership to the ECC.”
With current Covenant president Gary Walter retiring on August 31, 2018, the nomination process is underway. The 27-member PNC held its first meeting last month.
“I am grateful for the wisdom of the ECC Constitution that appoints such a diverse group to give a wide perspective on the ministry of the Covenant Church,” said PNC chair Mary Miller. “There are views from differing geographies, ethnicities, ministries, genders, ages, cultures, and churches. Together we are prayerfully asking God for discernment regarding what leadership is needed in the next president of the ECC.”
Members of the PNC include: Executive Board representatives Rachel Burke, Lance Davis, Donna Erickson, Paula Frost, Roberto Ghione, Doris Granberry, Jeff Houston, Alice Lee, Juana Nesta, Phil Print, Valerie Thomas, and Dwain Tissell; affiliate board representatives Robert H. Anderson (Covenant Ministries of Benevolence), Mary C. Miller (North Park University), Tom W. Nelson (Covenant Pension and Benefits), and Steve Wong (Board of the Ordered Ministry); and conference board representatives Terence Barg (Canada), Harvey J. Fiskeaux (Alaska), Clive Grimbleby (Pacific Southwest), Greg Harper (Southeast), Eugene P. Kim (East Coast), Kristin King (Midwest), J.T. Madison (Great Lakes), Phil Mallory (Midsouth), Rebecca Nakamura (Central), Gail Ohta (Pacific Northwest), and Jim Volling (Northwest).
The composition of the nominating committee is mandated by the Covenant Constitution and Bylaws. The PNC is charged with presenting one candidate before next year’s Annual Meeting.
Miller said the process for receiving comments and nominations has been expanded to ensure that all Covenanters have an opportunity to participate. “This comprehensive process will help us select a nominee who best fits the presidential calling,” she added.
To read the PNC’s official letter and submit comments and nominations, click here. Stay connected to Covenant Newswire and follow us on Facebook for updates on the presidential search.
